SOURCE : EODB NEWS | PUBLISHED : 10 JULY 2025
A Transformative Leap for Scientific Research: Appreciating the Enhanced Public Procurement Exemption Limit
The recent decision by the Government of India to raise the public procurement exemption limit for scientific equipment and consumables from INR 5 lakh to INR 50 lakh marks a watershed moment in the nation’s pursuit of scientific excellence. This will significantly enhance the operational agility and global competitiveness of our research and development institutions and higher education establishments.
For decades, Indian scientists and researchers have navigated complex procurement processes, often hampered by bureaucratic bottlenecks and restrictive financial thresholds. By increasing the exemption limit tenfold, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering a more enabling environment for scientific discovery and innovation.
This amendment, applicable to R&D establishments and higher education institutions offering doctoral programs, will empower our scientific community to procure cutting-edge equipment and essential consumables with greater speed and efficiency. It will reduce administrative delays, encourage timely experimentation, and support the rapid scaling of research projects—factors that are critical for India’s emergence as a global leader in science and technology.
Moreover, this move aligns seamlessly with the government’s broader vision of “Ease of Doing Science,” complementing ongoing reforms that prioritise autonomy, transparency, and efficiency in public institutions. It is also a testament to the government’s trust in the integrity of our scientific community and its resolve to remove barriers that hinder progress.
As a grassroot operator deeply involved in fostering emerging tech adoption, this update was long-awaited, and it’s the culmination of immense effort from many dedicated individuals. It truly clears a significant hurdle for our scientific community, allowing them to focus on what they do best: innovating and driving progress for India.”
Abhijeet Sinha
Program Director Ease of Doing Business
The S&T Cluster initiative of OPSA is conceptualized on Need for Doing Science for larger adoption as it is based on principles of a shared R&D ecosystem, with an understanding of the local technological requirements along with national & global competitiveness.
Dr (Mrs) Parvinder Maini
Scientific Secretary – PSA to the Government of India
Improving Ease of Doing Science
Source: PSA Office | Published: 9 July, 2025
As part of the series of ongoing efforts to improve “Ease of Doing Science” in the country, yet another key milestone change, the Public Procurement exemption limit is now increased from Rs 5 Lakhs to 50 Lakhs. This amendment is applicable to the procurement of scientific equipment and consumables by the R&D establishments and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) having doctoral programs.
